Gratitude that actually works (even with toilets + kids) Post
Because gratitude isn’t about the list—it’s about the shift.
Today during my quick daily motivation reading, I came across something that made me pause.
👉 “If you want to change your life fast, start with gratitude. Write down 100 things you’re grateful for.”
One hundred things. Wow. That’s… a lot.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m a huge believer in gratitude. I can find it in almost anything: when my feet hit the floor in the morning, when I get a workout in, when I sleep well, and yes—even when the kids drive me nuts or I’m scrubbing toilets (again).
Honestly, my gratitude comes most at night as I’m falling asleep. It’s how I get my brain to finally settle down. I pray—and part of that prayer is simply saying “thank you.” Sometimes that list of thanks goes on for 10 minutes. Then I pray for the people on my list… and I’m out like a light.
Because here’s the truth: when I shift into gratitude, everything changes—my energy, my brain, and my attitude.
But and this is a big but writing 100 things every single day? That feels overwhelming. And if you’re like me, those “all-or-nothing” lists can be hard to keep up with.
So let’s talk about a better, more natural way.
Gratitude Starts Before the List
The list is powerful, no doubt. Writing things down gets them out of your head and into your heart. But gratitude doesn’t have to begin with 100 items on paper.
✨ Gratitude starts before the list.
It’s about noticing the moments, big and small, and learning to flip them—even the frustrating ones.
Like the dishes that always need doing.
The toilets that always need cleaning.
The laundry, the meals, the schedules.
And Ohhh all the people. Enough said :)
Storms will come, and people will get on your nerves. I’m just a real-life girl telling you the truth.
Here’s how I practice it:
Acknowledge it. “This is annoying. I feel it. I see it.”
Flip it. “I’m grateful it’s done. I’m grateful I had the time. I’m grateful God picked me to be the mom of these messy kids.”
It doesn’t mean you deny your frustration or your emotions—you’re human. Awareness is always the solution. First acknowledge it. Then redirect it. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about shifting how you see it.
Gratitude in Real Life
In our home, gratitude is more than just a concept—it’s a practice.
Part of my son’s schoolwork this week is to write three things he’s grateful for each day. I want him to start with perspective, see what’s in his heart, and practice the shift. (And—I want to peek inside his brain too!)
But here’s the thing: if you have teens—or even a spouse—handing them a “gratitude worksheet” probably won’t go over well. Gratitude needs to feel natural, not forced.
I can see it with my clients too—when they’re having a rough week, we have to flip the attitude so their energy flips. When their energy shifts, their presence shifts.
That’s where the real power of gratitude shows up.
Simple Ways to Pull Gratitude Out
Sometimes the best way to find gratitude in yourself is to ask:
“Leisa, what’s the good in cleaning this toilet today?”
“What’s the good in my kid’s attitude? Maybe it’s information I need to hear or see.”
And when it comes to others—kids, spouses, or friends—try these questions to spark a gratitude shift:
“What’s one good thing that happened today?”
“How can I pray for you this week?”
“What’s something going really well in your life that I can celebrate with you?”
Want to hear a big secret: don’t be afraid to let them share the negative first. Venting or talking out frustrations is actually a release. It clears space in the brain, making it easier to see the good that’s still there.
Sometimes gratitude comes after the grumbling—and that’s okay.
The Challenge
So here’s my challenge for you today:
Don’t get stuck on the number. Don’t worry about hitting 100 every time. Just start practicing gratitude where you are—even if it’s while scrubbing toilets or juggling a house full of kids.
Because gratitude isn’t about the list.
👉 Gratitude is about the shift.
Try it this week and see how it changes your perspective, your energy, and maybe even the atmosphere in your home.
And when it does—come back and tell me about it. I’d love to hear your story.
Leisa Jenkins
Founder of Catalyst Core Collective
Real people. Real challenges. Real solutions.
